Q:Why do you recommend that patients get a second opinion?A: Research has found that getting a second opinion results in a new diagnosis in as many as 30 percent of all cases. It’s second nature for a physician to want a patient to get a second opinion: You’re giving him the chance to have his work and his instincts checked by another qualified doctor, which will only result in three possibilities:

The consulting doctor could agree with his diagnosis and advice completely, which will make everyone feel more confident in going forward.

The consulting doctor could agree on some points, but offer different thoughts on others.